For Those Who Stick Wires In Cakes - Page 16

That is gross....thank you for heads up and idea...I have not tried wires yet, but was looking at Duff's wires the other day, I assume those are food safe? Do you cover those also?

Good tips, thanks!

Dunno if I'd be inclined to assume anything here. On his Food Network show, I've seen Duff Goldman do more than a few things I wouldn't classify as "Good Eats."

I have tried the straws, but ended up reverting to the good old posy picks, as they are ready made, already have the bottom and so cheap. I got my last lot from Lindy's Cakes and they are available in 2 sizes at Lindys - http://www.lindyscakes.co.uk/shop/search.php?mode=search&page=2. They have 7mm ones and 9mm ones. They send their stuff all over the world.

Hope this helps someone.

Caljava (The makers of FondX) just posted this video online to demonstrate how to make a white flower cake. Watch closely. . . .she sticks wires in cakes!!!  OMG! Do you think Caljava doesn't know the dangers of wires or simply has a wanton disregard for the safety of people everywhere?  Someone should tell them before it's too late!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZdAv-BbkEo

Any new revelations on this thread? I'm about to get into gumpaste flowers (have only made bc flowers in the past.
What about cloth covered wires? Or is that the same as floral wire?

Great tips :) thanx!
 

After reading my way through the complete thread, I am yawning a little (ok, I have a really bad cold and don't suffer fools gladly at the best of times ), and shaking my head in something akin to awe/horror/amused dismay / disbelief....

I have decided to gather all the information together and condense it for you.
Here we go:

Floral wires and craft wires being stuck in cake are a "no, no "
Even if they are being sold in cake decorating shops - the owner either is in blissful ignorance to the dangers or doesn't give a fig about the consequences if he/she/it says they are food safe! Bad person! Boo! Hiss!
Exception: the gold, silver etc wires... pls see previous numerous posts in this thread for further details.

And Just Because Famous Cake People Such As a Collette, a Duff, a Ron etc Do It, That Does Not Make It Right! Simples as the meerkat would say!

Use the flower/posy picks etc, that is what they were made for! Other alternatives are available as mentioned in numerous previos posts.... spagetti, straws etc... as long as you are sure these things are food safe. SURE not THINK.... big difference there.
I always disinfect anything that comes into contact with my food, especially if it is to be inserted, with alcohol. Even if it does come straight out of a packet.... basic hygien common sense here folks...

And in the end, everybody is going to do their own thing anyway. Keep it legal, keep it clean, keep educated about important matters and keep it safe.

I will go now and take my runny nose and pounding head to bed.
Have a lovely weekend everybody!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=stainless+steel+food+safe+wires 

Great synopsis, gingerbread!

Thanks for the info I knew not to place wires into cakes (kinda common sense really, well for some people!) but never thought of using straws that is a much cheaper option than buying flower spikes as usually have straws around the house! :)

If you buy food safe grade stainless steel wire (The same metal used for your mixing bowl) you CAN stick it into the cake!  But it has to be the correct grade.

 

http://mightynest.com/blog/stainless-steel-all-about-food-grade-304-188-and-1810

 

Grade 304 wire can be purchased on amazon dot com in multiple thicknesses.  It's used mainly for fishing wire.  Makes sense....

Dental wire (like for braces) is also food-safe.

great straw tip! thanks!

what an awesome idea...Never thought of the straws...and was wondering when you mentioned it how to keep the cake from the straw...royal icing is a great tool...thanks for the tip... I have actually wrapped mine in wax paper or parchment paper before...this works well if you do it thick...but the straw will save so much more time...

 

Karen